Yard Sale to Help Bakersfield's Needy

  On Saturday Nov, 10 the St. Vincent De Paul conferences of St.

Francis and Guadalupe Churches will hold a yard sale to benefit the

poor. St. Vincent De Paul volunteers go to the homes of the poor to

 alleviate suffering.First we bring food.Next we try and assist with

 both emotional and or financial needs. We call it "bringing Christ to

 to the poor. "We pray with those in crisis. We serve all of God's people.

We are "Family to Family" mentors so we also we plug these people into                                                                                                                                        The neighborhoods we serve, demand attention, and that's why we

 social agencies. The neighborhoods we serve demand attention. We are

in need of donated items and donations. Please drop off items

or donations at St. Francis or Guadalupe Churches. If you would like

volunteer please call one of the churches. God Bless and please help

provide social charity to our needy brothers and sisters! The yard

sale is at Guadalupe Church on Nov 10th on East California 7-3pm.

Sunset by the Pool

This Photo was taken while at a back yard cook-out. Camera was a Sony Cyber Shot 4.1 mega pixel

Great Doc

I can't say enough in praise of our primary care physician, Dr. Regina Ng, and my dermatologist, Dr. Jeff Crowley. Dr. Ng is exceptionally thorough and takes a genuine interest in the well-being of her patients. She's the first doc I've ever had who calls us herself with test results, and she doesn't hesitate to refer us to specialists for concerns that are beyond the scope of primary care. The specialists to whom she has referred us have been fantastic.

Last year, Dr. Ng noticed a mole on my left arm she didn't like the looks of. I told her that I'd had the mole for as long as I could remember and it had always looked that way, but she insisted that I see a dermatologist and referred me to Dr. Crowley. He didn't like the looks of the mole, either. It turned out to be melanoma. Fortunately, it was caught before it had spread and a simple office procedure got it all. I had (wrongly) assumed that even though the mole looked weird, that since I'd had it for so long and always looked the same, it couldn't be cancer. Now I know better, and I literally owe my life to Dr. Ng and Dr. Crowley and his team!

B.C. professor promotes environmentalism

    Young people in Kern County need to know that the future here will be bleak unless they take an active interest in preserving the environment, according to Dr. Randal Beeman, biology professor at Bakersfield College and co-author of “A Green and Permanent Land” published at Kansas State University in 2005 based on his doctoral thesis.
    “What has happened to the environmental movement that was so popular in the 1980s and early ‘90s?” Beeman asked an audience of Sierra Club members and friends at his Oct. 6 breakfast talk at a local restaurant. “We need to create sustainable living situations in this country, and this just is not happening in Kern County. It’s frustrating.”
    In his 10 years at BC, Beeman has been puzzled by his students’ apathy towards serious problems locally, including urban sprawl, poor air quality, lack of trees, lack of recreational space and “just plain ugliness.” In fact, he claims that environmental groups such as Sierra Club are actively “reviled, even hated, and seen as an obstacle to progress.”
    Dominance of the agriculture, oil and real estate industries may be contributing to this hostility. Occasionally, he has eve encountered apathy from some religious students who have the attitude that God will take care of the environment.
    Beeman’s thesis is simple: Establishing a sustainable ethic will happen only when leaders in government, businesses and colleges take environmentalism seriously by promoting healthy relationships between people and the environment.
    Other colleges are taking leadership in this direction. He cites Chico State University as a model of sustainability where agencies are working co-operatively to develop the university as eco-friendly. Features of Chico State’s program include commitments to buy local products (including food) whenever possible, use 100 percent recycled materials in every way, and create maximum efficiency energy buildings at the university.
    “A revolution is going on in Chico. Everyone, including the mayor, is all charged up, but no one has caught onto the sustainability concept here,” he said.
    Beeman thinks it is important to inspire people to change, and he tries to set himself as an example. He tells students that he buys his clothing a local hardware store that specializes in pants that last “a good long time.” He also lives close to his workplace so that the family drives only one car. “I’m personally committed to not buying a car again.”
    “I also have a sign over a door at home that says, ‘Simplify’. I really think that people’s lives are better when they learn not to live so materialistically.”
    Beeman’s dream for B.C. is for it to become a model locally for an eco-friendly environment. This means reducing the human impact so that the campus will be sustainable for future generations. Beeman would like to see a corporation help to re-landscape the campus to use less water.
    “We also need to get rid of leafblowers to reduce noise pollution,” Beeman added, pointing out his chronic irritation with the noises of leafblowers, especially while classes are in session.
    He also said that he cannot understand why CSUB isn’t organizing resources to promote sustainability. “We should be leaders in the community. The university is the soul of the community.”
    Beeman’s own interest in environmental issues developed during his childhood in a small town in Kansas where he lived close to nature from his earliest years. “Nature was a big part of my life,” he said. “It was an idyllic situation, very much unlike that of most of today’s youth.” He is still proud to have been part of the first Earth Day celebration in his hometown.
    His “A Green and Permanent Land” book is being read throughout the world as a primer on sustainable agriculture. It traces environmentalism in the agriculture movement from its inception in the 1920s through the ‘30s and ‘40s.
    Future Sierra Club events include a speaker on biofuels Nov. 3 at 8:30 a.m. at the Garden Spot restaurant and a tree planting at Riverwalk Park Nov. 9 led by Rich O’Neill. The annual Sierra Club fall banquet is on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at Bill Lee’s restaurant with a speaker about biodiversity. The public is invited to attend these events. For details, call 246-6195.

Are You an Opti-Mom?

We’ve all heard about the childhood obesity epidemic, the amount of overweight adults in America, but what have you heard about those parents who are obsessive calorie counters and compulsive about their exercise regimen? Recent studies have shown that a mom’s dieting habits can have a negative influence on children, since children learn so much through observation. Experts now say that watching mom constantly dieting, speaking negatively of her own body or that of others, or exercising compulsively (or not at all) can all possibly lead to an unhealthy fixation on body image and dieting. No one wants this for their children.

We all have insecurities about our bodies, so what is a mom to do? Lisa Druxman, 2007 IDEA Program Director of the Year, asserts that we need to work at becoming “Opti-Moms.” According to Druxman, “An Opti-Mom chooses healthy foods, is physically active every day, and models positive attitudes. Everything from a loud pronouncement to a small under-the-breath comment will have a powerful effect on the way a child views themselves and others, and as parents, it’s our responsibility to transmit positive messages – whether we believe them or not.”

Sound challenging? To make it easier for you, Druxman has created 11 Commandments to help you achieve Opti-Mom status:

Turn off the TV: Clever advertisements still blast out strong messaging that’s designed to capture kids’ interest in junk foods. The more time they’re in front of the TV, the more likely they are to battle obesity.
Teach your child to cook: When parents eat healthfully, so do kids (and vice versa). Get your kids excited about healthy eating by growing veggies together, letting them mix and pour, talking about what’s going into your meals.
Don’t force food: Forcing veggies on a kid will not lead to a love of all things healthy! Try fixing veggies only for you and don’t serve them to the kids. When they ask why, tell them something to the effect, “These will make you strong like a superhero and I’m just not ready for that yet.” They’ll come around quickly!
Expose them to the best (not the rest): Why give a child a highly-processed chicken nugget when they can have a grilled chicken breast instead? Offering them berries for dessert will be a treat for your child if you present it that way. Children will not crave these addictive foods unless they are exposed to them.
Beware of getting defensive: Just because you grew up eating junk and turned out ok doesn’t mean your child will. If you crave junk food, you’re going to have to train yourself to eat healthier foods. This way, both you and your child can grow used to good foods and have fewer junk food cravings.
Don’t glorify junk food: If you happen to splurge on a milkshake in front of your child, treat it like an iced tea, minimizing its importance and not acting as if it’s a prized reward to be craved. Later, don’t focus on how guilty you feel having eaten it!
Don’t treat boredom with food: Using Cheerios to alleviate an anxious whine? Stop! You’re teaching your child that food treats boredom and anxiety! If your child’s not actually hungry, encourage them to entertain themselves in a more positive way.
Label food and fitness in a positive way: Don’t treat exercise and healthy food as something you force yourself to endure. Create fun names for your healthy food like “Hulk Juice” for a veggie drink. Don’t resist outdoor playtime because you’re “too tired.” You want your kids to see that you find exercise energizing, not the opposite.
NEVER disparage yourself of others: STOP body-bashing yourself and others. Make sure you don’t project your weight and body issues on your children. As with any prejudice, attitudes towards overweight or thin people are learned!
Find creative ways to relax: Just as you shouldn’t reach for the ice cream when you’re stressed, you shouldn’t offer a cookie or DVD to coax your child out of a tantrum. If your child is stressed or upset, suggest physical activity (a bike ride or walk) or special bubbles in the bath. Make sure your child sees you de=stressing in a non-food related manner as well.
Keep Daddy in line, too! Dads can sometimes thwart your Opti-Mom efforts by complaining about the ‘health food’ or by bringing home treats. Children often side with dad in this power game. Make sure you educate Dad about why these changes are important so that you can present a united front for the children, even if he isn’t ready to revamp his own lifestyle just yet.

Need more support in your journey to becoming an Opti-Mom? Join a local stroller fitness group, a play group, or mommy support group. There are many of these in the Bakersfield area, just check online!

Michelle Garner is a local elementary school teacher and Stroller Strides™ franchisee. Garner has a passion for health and fitness and enjoys helping women to become positive role models for their children.

SUNSET

The sunset is a beautiful silhouette, created by time for us to manifest.

It surpasses human comprehension,Don't be dismayed it creates no tension.

Beautiful as it looks it creates a vision, created by God to show no division.

Look at the colors deep and dark, red and brown creates a spark all around town.

Some look at it confused and elated, it is God's sunset wrapped and embedded.

Man can create alot of things, A sunset is not one of his beings.

Just sit and look at the manifestation, especially when you feel a form of frustration.

The picture alone creates a positive equation, of hope and love part of God's creation.

Sunset, sunset set your mind to view, an everlasting picture for all of us to view.

Local writer wins award

Stephen J. Tomasi has been awarded The 2007 Jack London Award for Writing. Joe has published a children's book Miss Wheezer Comes to Stay and has another book on the way. He also has numerous writing awards, writes for The Northwest and The Southwest Voice. He will receive his award in San Jose later this month.

Best Doctor-No Contest!

Dr. Emanuel Strategos is the best doctor in town-no contest! Not only did he diagnose my illness, he is patient, listens, and answers all my questions. He stays abreast of newest trends in medicine ,which is necessary with my illness, as I have many complications. He and his staff are also appreciated for their professionalism and their upbeat smiles! It is great to go to a doctor who has all my confidence .Thank you Dr. Strategos.

Great Doc

Dr. Elaine Drazin, M.D. at Kaiser is the best pediatrician in Bakersfield. She helped my son when he was born with severe asthma survive. He could have died about 8 times, but she kept him alive with her skills and knowledge of medicine. When other "urgent care doctors" ignored the seriousness of his disease, which resulted in him being hospitalized or close to death, she never once let us down. Being a doctor at an HMO must be trying for some doctors, because you are limited to their (HMO) rules. Dr. Drazin always thought of my son, Zachary , first and foremost. When we asked for any specialist we were granted it. Years ago when his first grade teacher thought he might have ADHD, we didn't want to medicate him without 100% testing by a specialist in this field. One was brought to Bakersfield by Kaiser at Dr. Drazin's request and he was tested. She never once has by-passed any tests or treatment to satisfy only the HMO. It has always been about Zachary and us the parents. I feel he would not be doing so good today with his asthma if not for her and her determination that he be able to live a normal life with few restrictions, which in the beginning we were told he may not ever go to school or live a normal life. Thank you Dr. Drazin!

Dr. Ravi Patel: Excellent in Every Way

Dr Ravi Patel M.D.,F.A.C.P., is a great oncologist. I have ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2003 for which I received chemotherapy under his direction in 2003, and continue to receive chemotherapy and treatment under his direction. Since 2005, I have received chemotherapy every 4 weeks at CBCC. I am so grateful Dr. Patel and CBCC are located here in Bakersfield. I can not imagine driving out of town so often. It is also wonderful to be able to have all my scans, lab work and coumadin clinic all at the one facility. Dr. Patel stays current with all the latest treatments and clinical trials with UCLA. Dr. Patel is so kind and understanding to me and my family. He has a positive attitude and keeps a smile for me. All the staff at CBCC are very pleasant and efficient at their various jobs. The nurses, especially, are very skilled and competent in their profession, and equally as important, they always have a smile for me as well! A big thank you to Dr. Patel and all the staff at CBCC.

Recent Posts : Bakersfield.com

Yard Sale to Help Bakersfield's Needy

Sunset by the Pool

Great Doc

B.C. professor promotes environmentalism

Are You an Opti-Mom?

SUNSET

Local writer wins award

Best Doctor-No Contest!

Great Doc

Dr. Ravi Patel: Excellent in Every Way

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